Sponsored by Wightlink, this booklet charts the history of the Western Solent route and specifically deals with the evolution of the three new 'Wight' Class ferries which are being built in Croatia. 2008 marks the 70th anniversary of the entry into service of the route's very first car ferry, the revolutionary Lymington which replaced the old tow boat method of shipping cars to the Isle of Wight. Since then the service has gone from strength to strength and with the trio of long-serving 'C' class ferries now coming to the end of their active careers, the three new 'Wight' Class ferries will introduce a completely new standard to this historic link.